U.S. TO ASSIST IN TRAINING MANPOWER FOR MINE-CLEARING IN CROATIA

OSIJEK, July 7 (Hina) - The head of the Croatian Government's Commission for Mine-Clearing, Major General Slavko Baric, on Monday held talks with the U.S. military envoy to Croatia, Lt. Col. John Sadler, and the secretary of the U.S. Embassy in Zagreb, Geoffrey Hovenier. The talks focused on the U.S. assistance in the process of mine-clearing in Croatia. "We presented results achieved to date in the process of mine- clearing throughout Croatia, as well as difficulties arising from lack of money and technical equipment for stepping up the mine-clearing process", Baric said after the meeting, stressing it has been agreed for such contacts to become permanent. To continue with this activity, mine- clearing and mine-detecting machines, as well as means for protection and area-marking were required, Baric added. The U.S. side has shown readiness to assist in training manpower, which Croatia accepted, he said. Baric pointed out that part of the means for mine-clearing in the Croatian Danube region has been provided by Germany, that the Belgian Government would finance the mine-clearing of the railroad from Beli Manastir to the Hungarian border, and that part of the means for mine- clearing will also be provided by the Danish Government. (hina) ha mm 071648 MET jul 97